Synopsis:

He loves me. He loves me not.

Ivy’s heart shatters upon hearing Eric’s crushing ultimatum. Despite how much she cares for him, she won’t give in to his demands. She has no choice but to leave, even if it’s the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.

She loves me. She loves me not.

When Ivy walks out, Eric can’t help feeling betrayed. Unwilling to put her at risk, he values her safety above all else. By refusing to compromise, he’s blindsided when she moves in with a man who’s already stolen so much from him.

I love you. You love me not.

Lauren sees Eric and Ivy’s split as an opportunity to end their relationship once and for all. When Ivy places herself at the mercy of Eric’s rival, Lauren plots to destroy the fragile tie binding them together, even if she endangers Ivy’s life in the process.

“You are such a tease! What a way to leave me hanging there, after that scene at the kitchen table. DAMN. Hose me down with cold water please!” -Natalie Smith

“Hallelujah and praise the Lord, Eric is FINALLY going after what’s his! *sigh* What a lovely welcome home present indeed!” – Ashley Bodette

***Excerpt***

But there’s something I have to do before this goes any further.

Slowly, I draw my head away from her embrace, finding the courage to finally meet her eyes. Her hair hasn’t been combed and her face is all tear-stained, but she has never looked more beautiful.

She stands, bracing herself against me. Her breath hitches when I gently start unbuttoning her shirt, but her eyes never leave my face. I stop partway up, raising the bottom half of her cami up and over her baby bump. Dropping down, I run my hands across her stomach, feeling her shiver against my fingertips. Looking up at her, I place my lips on her bellybutton, kissing the child that’s growing within her, the miracle we created.

“I will never ask you to choose again,” I say solemnly, my voice nothing but a whisper.

Ivy starts to cry in earnest, placing her hands atop mine.

“You are my heart now. Whatever happens to you happens to me.” I kiss each one of her knuckles as she sighs deeply, like she’s been longing with all her soul to hear me say these words. “I know I’m not as brave as you are, but I promise to try harder.”

“Eric, stop. You’re the bravest man I know,” she proclaims with a tender fierceness, tears shining in her eyes.

“I’m just so afraid of losing you,” I mutter, breaking down.

“Oh, Eric,” she whimpers, sobbing right along with me. “I know, baby… I know.”

I lean back against the wall, guiding her onto my lap. We don’t say anything more. We just sit there and hold each other, savoring the moment.